Jan 21, 2017 - 09:45 am .- In his annual speech to the Holy See's main court on Saturday, Pope Francis stressed the pressing need for effective education and preparation for the sacrament of marriage – not only to guard against invalid marriages, but also to strengthen the faith of the couple as they prepare for the unique blessings and challenges of married life.

Apr 10, 2016 - 05:39 am .- Among the less-noticed passages of Pope Francis’ new exhortation was a lengthy section on marriage preparation, a subject that the pontiff has repeatedly spoken on, calling for additional focus at the diocesan and parish levels.

Nov 8, 2015 - 03:09 pm .-
Father Michael Delcambre looked at his congregation on Sunday and realized he had what other pastors might call an unusual sight: He counted 10 newly married couples sitting right there in the pews, and they were regulars.

May 27, 2015 - 12:04 pm .-
In his weekly general audience, Pope Francis said the process of engagement is essential for any couple on their way to marriage since it not only allows love to mature, but helps future spouses deepen in knowledge of one another.

Oct 21, 2014 - 04:02 am .-
As the Church continues to reflect on the pastoral needs of the family following the recent Synod of Bishops, there has emerged the need for marriage formation lasting well beyond the day a husband and wife take their vows.

Oct 10, 2014 - 04:32 am .-
The effects of migration and poverty upon families, the pastoral care of children, the Eucharist in connection to our understanding of marriage: these are a few of the themes which Cardinal Vincent Nichols, archbishop of Westminster, hopes to see raised during the Synod on the Family currently underway in the Vatican.

Feb 19, 2014 - 04:01 am .-
The head of a major U.S. missionary apostolate says that evangelization – not simple catechesis – is needed to prepare Catholics for good marriages by putting Jesus Christ at the center of their lives.